Registered nurses at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland are celebrating the overwhelming vote to approve a new five-year contract with the California Nurses Association (CNA). The pact, covering 750 registered nurses at the hospital, features patient care and wage and benefit improvements through 2023.
 
“Our nurses stood strong together to settle this contract, on behalf of the children we care for day in and day out, often at the most vulnerable time in their young lives,” said Aina Gagui, RN. “We’re really proud of the contract we won. It’s a big day for RNs and for the entire community served by our hospital.”
 
With the new contract, nurses say they now have access to additional training in pediatric care, to bring their skill level up to an even higher standard. The contract also includes an expense reimbursement of up to $750 per year to be used toward a class, conference, certification or recertification.
 
“As nurses, we know the importance of continuing education to ensure safe patient care,” said Diana Cantu-Reina, RN. “That’s why we’re excited that we have expanded educational opportunities for nurses in this contract. It’s what our patients deserve.”

 “The contract also features wage increase of 15% over five years, and other enhancements, that will help with recruitment and retention of experienced nurses for the community,” said Kim Branciforte, RN.

“It’s an incredible feeling to know that nurses united for our patients and won a  great contract to help protect patients and nurses for years to come,” said Leticia Orozco, RN.